New England states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are more commonly considered destinations for leaf-peeping vibrant fall foliage. However, if you’ve never experienced the awe-inspiring beauty of Durango, Colorado, in the fall, this year is a great year to start. We’re surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and serve as home base for the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the most popular fall train rides in the country.
Fall foliage in Durango is captivating, with pops of red, orange, and yellow typically appearing in mid-September and lasting through mid-October. One of our favorite ways to get views of this foliage up close and personal is hiking in the San Juan National Forest – part of which you can access from across the street from our Durango Bed and Breakfast. This vast expanse of wilderness boasts a diverse array of trails, catering to all levels of hikers and featuring breathtaking views at every turn.
From hiking through the endless miles of trails in the area to fishing the Animas River and riding through the stunning scenery of the Durango to Silverton Train, there are endless things to do in Durango this fall. The only thing better than enjoying the crisp, cool air and the rustle of leaves underfoot is the chance to unwind at our Durango Bed and Breakfast. We offer comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms, a gorgeous and peaceful property to enjoy in the afternoon, a hot tub to soak your tired muscles, daily breakfast and happy hour with house-made food and drinks, and impeccable service throughout your stay.
Our Durango Bed and Breakfast is the perfect home base for your adventures. Book an unforgettable fall getaway today!
Fall Hiking in the San Juan National Forest
Fall hiking in the San Juan National Forest offers an unparalleled opportunity to see this seasonal transition up close and personal. As the air cools and the days shorten, the leaves gradually turn, transforming the San Juan National Forest into a breathtaking mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. There are plenty of ways to get into these mountains to enjoy the colorful show, too. Hikes in the San Juan National Forest range from gentle strolls to challenging ascents with panoramic vistas.
The San Juan National Forest is diverse, featuring a range of landscapes from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks. The forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres of protected lands and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite fall hikes in the San Juan National Forest near Durango.
- One of the best fall hikes near Durango is the Colorado Trail, particularly the segment at Molas Pass (segment #25). This epic trail is one of the leading long-distance trails in the country, traveling between Denver and Durango. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of La Plata Mountains and dense forests of bright yellow Aspens against the deep green of pines.
- The Vallecito Creek Trail is another beautiful fall hike in the San Juan National Forest. It climbs through a deep canyon alongside Vallecito Creek, featuring ponderosa pines and aspens that are beautiful in September and October. The trail is about 9 miles long but can be combined with other trails to reach the Continental Divide Trail.
- Hike up to the top of Missionary Ridge on the Missionary Ridge Trail, a challenging 9-mile ascent that offers lovely views of the Animas River Valley.
- Purgatory Ski Resort is a fantastic place to ski in the winter, but during the fall, it’s home to some of the best hiking in Durango. The best trail here for fall color is the Purgatory Flats Trail. It’s a relatively easy hike that descends into a beautiful canyon for gorgeous fall views. This is also a great spot for birdwatching.
- The Hermosa Creek Trail is among the best fall hikes in the San Juan National Forest. The trail is long and challenging, but the beautiful aspen groves you’ll enjoy in the backcountry are more than worth it.
- If you don’t have plans to ride the Durango to Silverton Trail but still want to enjoy some of the epic scenery this train ride features, consider hiking the Engineer Mountain Trail in the San Juan National Forest near Silverton. The climb is steep and challenging, but the rewarding views at the top are more than worth it.
- Roaring waterfalls and the bright yellow pops of aspens make the Cascade Creek Trail one of the best fall hikes in the San Juan National Forest.
- Finally, consider the Spud Lake Trail if you’re looking for a short and relatively easy hike with beautiful lakes and payout views of Durango’s fall foliage. The lake is a great spot to fish, and the mountain views from here rival the vibrant glow of the aspen groves.
More Things to Do in Durango, CO, This Fall
There are few things better than a fall getaway in Durango, especially when you spend some time hiking through the mesmerizing San Juan National Forest. There are, however, so many more fantastic things to do in Durango, CO, this fall. The town provides the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment. Whether you take leisurely strolls through the historic downtown, visit the renowned Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, or explore the surrounding trails that showcase the region’s stunning autumn foliage, there’s no shortage of things to do in Durango, CO, this fall.
Get ready to enjoy the crisp mountain air and jaw-dropping landscapes that surround us. As autumn rolls around, we hope you join us for at least one of these fantastic activities. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite things to do in Durango, CO, in the fall.
- The Durango to Silverton Train is by far the best thing to do in Durango in the fall – or, really, at any time of year.
- Fly fishing is always one of the best things to do in Durango, CO, but fall happens to be one of the best times of year to enjoy this tranquil sport.
- Don’t miss Mesa Verde National Park in the fall. The predominantly red canyons and cliffs contrast beautifully against the bright blue sky. Enjoy an afternoon hiking through the colorful landscapes, or take a scenic drive through the park for gorgeous fall views.
- Bike through 39 scenic miles of aspen groves on the Aspen Loop Trail. There are, of course, plenty more mountain biking trails in the area, as it’s one of the most popular things to do in Durango, CO.
- If you don’t feel like hiking but still want to enjoy the rugged mountain beauty at Purgatory Ski Resort, consider taking one of their scenic chairlift rides in the fall. This is one of the most relaxing and beautiful things to do in Durango, CO, in the fall!
- One of the best things to do in Durango, CO, each fall is to take scenic drives through the mountains. There are some beautiful ones here, including the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and the Historic Hot Springs Loop. Don’t miss the chance to soak your muscles in at least one of these hot springs, too.
- Fall is a fun time to be in Durango, especially if you’re in town for the Autumn Arts Festival in September. The event features a juried art show and over 100 fine arts & fine craft booths, along with live entertainment and plenty of local food booths.
- Zipline above the treetops for a unique, birdseye view of Durango’s fall foliage. Durango Zipline offers zipline adventures throughout the San Juan National Forest.
With so many fantastic things to do in Durango, CO, this fall, you’ll want to carve out several days to enjoy the best of it. There’s no better place to stay in Durango than our top-rated Bed and Breakfast. Book your fall getaway today!
